FROM YOUR FEET TO YOUR GARDEN.. EPSOM SALTS MAY BE JUST WHAT YOUR GARDEN NEEDS..

If I had sore, tired feet, the first thing I would grab would be some epsom salts and soak my old flat feet. If you have some epsom salts around the house, there is another great use that you may not be aware of. Epsom salts is probably one of the best materials you could use for plants. Dissolved in water, epsom salts can provide plants the elememt magnesium.

Usually added in a fertilizer as a trace element, magnesium can greatly inprove the vigor of many plants. One plant that comes in mind that most homeowners use epsom salts on is ferns.

Ask any greenhouse grower of potted plants and they will tell you that they always use epsom salts for their ferns. Ferns and epsom salts go together that’s for sure. They grow greener, bigger and are much healthier. Now when it comes time to mix the epsom salts and water, the recipe is 1-2 tablespoons of epsom salts in 1 gallon of water. The frequency of use is about once a month. Don't forget that epsom salts also works great for tomatoes and peppers and really about all plants. Try it, you'll like it and so will your plants.

IT’S TIME TO GET THAT YARD READY FOR SPRING

I seem to be getting lots of calls about the fertilization and other questions concerning lawns so I thought I would review some of the essentials with you this morning. First, If you haven't limed for several years, more than likely you need to now. As for fertilization, you need to put down a slow release fertilizer on your lawn now or at least in the next two weeks. I say slow release because it will keep your grass looking nice and green up until about July 1st. It might cost a little more but its the best fertilizer you can apply to your lawn. If you have crabgrass, you need to be applying the slow release fertilizer but with a crabgrass control.

Don't forget that aeration is a great management tool for your lawn. Matter of fact, aerating in the spring as well as the fall is recommended. It opens up the soil for better root production, air circulation, water dispersal, as well as making the fertilizer more effective. One last comment, sharpen the mower blades so your lawn not only will look better but reduce the chances if disease problems during the growing season.

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT PLANTING SHRUBS AND TREES

Do you remember what I said about the time to plant shrubs and trees? The comment was that you can plant them anytime of the year if their roots are confined just as long as the ground isn't frozen. Many of you are certainly going to choose one or more of those ornamental pears to include in your landscape. These trees are great just as long as you stay away from the one tree variety that I see has problems in this area.

That tree variety is called Bradford Pear and this is one member of the larger group of trees called ornamental pear. The problem is that the Bradford pear has very weak crotch angles and will split easily in wind and a heavy load of snow or ice. The choice of these ornamental pears has to be the Cleveland pear which has wider crotch angles which are stronger and certainly will reduce the chances of splitting. Check out the ornamental pears in your lawn and garden centers and add the Cleveland pears to increase the quality of your landscape.

Article from: www.wsaz.com